Functional Framework

Overview

The ODA Functional Framework details an organization’s activities from a system point of view. It provides a common map and terminology that enterprises can refer to when navigating functional architecture.

Fundamental units

The Functional Framework (which is an evolution of the now legacy Application Framework) was created by removing the application context and atomising the activities into basic and unique system components.

The Functional Framework is organized within the Domains and Vertical Category Context of the TM Forum Open Digital Architecture. It is also categorized as an object, unique to the Functional Framework, known as a Subdomain. Subdomains are multi-level groupings representing functions related to a specific subject, yet this grouping only exists for taxonomy and usability purposes and should not be interpreted with other meanings.

Recognizing functions

The functions are all on the same hierarchical level and aim to be granular to the point that they cannot be subdivided further. Each function produces a result that is accepted as complete by its caller.

The basic building block of the Functional Framework, a function is characterized by the information it handles and the service it performs. It does not carry any context, and an organization’s systems can employ the same function to perform many different activities.

Find out more about how Functional Frameworks could be deployed in your organization by looking through the content links on this page.